NEW! LUMIX® DMC-ZS20 14.1 Megapixel Digital Camera

DMC-ZS20

Features

Lens Performance

Powerful 20x Optical Zoom

The DMC-ZS20's powerful 20x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 24-480mm) draws your subjects right up close, and lets you freely capture decisive sports scenes, along with the natural expressions of people and animals, and details that you can't even see with your bare eyes

In addition, this single camera lets you record 20x zoom in video recording. It makes the DMC-ZS20 twice as attractive.

40x Intelligent Zoom

The Intelligent Zoom is an extensive zoom function using digital zoom, however, you can even draw the subject 2x closer than the original optical zoom thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology. This means the 20x optical can virtually extend to 40x equivalent.

24mm Ultra Wide-angle Lens

The 24mm ultra wide-angle lens* — rare on a compact camera — gives you a wider range of composition possibilities with approx. 213% larger viewing space compared to that of 35mm camera. The super-high-quality LEICA DC lens minimizes distortion at the wide end.

*Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the wide-end.

LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens

Newly developed LEICA DC lens system that achieves both high image quality and small size is redesigned to further extend its powerful zoom to 20x (35mm camera equivalent: 24-480mm). Comprising 12 elements in 10 groups including 3 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces and 2 ED lenses, adoption of ultra thin lens for its new structure optical system makes the unit's overall length short to fit in the slim body despite its versatile zoom range from 24mm ultra wide-angle to 20x telephoto.

POWER O.I.S.

The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) suppresses the low-frequency vibration hand-shake component, which is physically generated when pressing the shutter button or when shooting at night with a slow shutter speed. The POWER O.I.S. also works for powerful zoom shots, which are especially susceptible to hand-shake in a compact camera. Active mode is effective for video recording.

The POWER O.I.S. is also effective for scenes like these.

Image Quality

14.1-megapixel MOS Sensor

The 14.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor is newly developed for the DMC-ZS20 for even higher image quality. This boasts better S/N ratio compared with the 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor in the DMC-ZS20. Together with the performance of the Venus Engine, quality of image shot in low-lit situations is dramatically improved reducing the noise to its half level*.

* At ISO1600, Panasonic measurement.

Venus Engine

The DMC-ZS20's Venus Engine processes large amount of progressive full HD data at high speed. At the same time, the multi-task image-processing engine, the Venus Engine realizes a super-fast response time.

Intelligent Noise Reduction System

The excellent S/N ratio of the MOS sensor and the Intelligent Noise Reduction system in the Venus Engine make both photos and videos shot at any sensitivity from low to high and boast outstanding clearness.

Multi-process Noise Reduction System

Newly developed Multi-process Noise Reduction applies optimum noise reduction according to the brightness of the part of the image. Images recorded in low-lit situations are now dramatically clear.

Intelligent HDR

The DMC-ZS20 integrates Intelligent HDR (High Dynamic Range) in the iA Mode. Several still pictures consecutively shot at different exposure levels are overlaid to produce a single composite picture without whiteout (over-exposure) or blackout (under-exposure). The HDR Mode is also available in the Scene Mode.

This function is also available

Intelligent Resolution Technology: Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way according to the area. As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp.

Video

1920 x 1080 60p (NTSC) Full HD Video in AVCHD Progressive Format

The DMC-ZS20 can record high-resolution full HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p (NTSC) videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format. Upgrading the full HD recording capability from interlaced to progressive, subjects with fast motion or fine details are reproduced even more clearly.

A special, dedicated button lets you instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to make any extra settings.

MP4 Format Recording

The DMC-ZS20 can also record full HD 1,920 x 1,080 30p (NTSC) videos in MP4 format. This format is suitable for editing videos on a computer or uploading those to websites.

60 (NTSC) Progressive Recording

1080/60p (progressive) conveys about twice the information of 1080i (interlace) recording. Whereas interlacing requires two images to produce a complete picture, the progressive method records a single image as a complete picture. It creates intricate detail and silky smooth motion. Even when subjects move quickly, afterimages are minimized to create more natural images.

Interlaced Scanning

Only half of the image data is reproduced in each picture.

Progressive Scanning

Reproduces all of image data in a single picture.

* These are standard times taken at a temperature of 23°C (73.4°F) and a humidity of 50%RH. The time available for recording varies depending on the environment, the interval between recordings, and the manner of use. Actual recordable time is the time available for recording when repeating actions such as switching the power supply [ON]/[OFF], starting/stopping recording, zoom operation, etc. • [For NTSC Areas] Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [AVCHD] is 29 minutes 59 seconds. (Excluding when [GS] or [SH] is set) Motion pictures in [MP4] can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. Also, motion picture recorded continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB. Also, motion picture recorded continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB. • The length of recording time depends on the capacity of the SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card. •Use a card with SD Speed Class* with "Class 4" or higher when recording videos. * SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.

The POWER O.I.S. with Active Mode

The Active Mode effectively suppresses blur in video recording especially at wide angle while walking or playing with your children. In addition, it's an optical system so there's no image degradation. It's especially good for active video shooting.

High Quality Sound

Incorporating a stereo zoom microphone, the videos also come with the high-quality stereo sound of Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator, to offer highly realistic sound to the video. Mechanical noise caused by a zooming operation is suppressed to improve the clearness.

• Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

20x Optical Zoom in Video Recording

The powerful 20x optical zoom with 2-step zoom function is available in video recording.

* The video is optimized for web view by file conversion

Auto Wind Cut Function

The Auto Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind automatically making the human voice to stand out.

Creative Control

The Creative Control renders highly unique expressions by matching the colors to your subject and surroundings. In Miniature Effect Mode, the video recorded is played back in 10x fast-forwarding making it more comical to watch*.

* Sound will not be recorded with Miniature Effect in Creative Control Mode and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long.)

Miniature Effect

* The video is optimized for web view by file conversion.

High-speed Video

High-speed videos at 220 fps in QVGA size (320 x 240 pixels) let you capture scenes that you can't see with the naked eye, and play them back in dramatic slow motion.

Panorama Shot

Auto Retouch

The Auto Retouch function adjusts contrast and brightness to give different impression to the photo with just a press of a button. Appropriate retouch is automatically applied depending on the image — if the image was shot too dark, it can be clear and bright to look it nicer with this function.

Intelligent Handheld Night Shot

The Intelligent Handheld Night Shot in the iA Mode generates a beautiful night scenery with illumination by multi-layering the images shot consecutively. Bright, glamorous night scenery can be recorded without using a tripod. The Handheld Night Shot Mode is also available in the Scene Mode.

3D Photo Mode

The 3D Photo Mode* produces a 3D image in the camera. The image-processing method used by LUMIX records beautiful images with less distortion or visible image links.

* The picture size is fixed to 2-megapixel (16:9).

These functions are also available.

4 Aspect Ratios: In addition to 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9, you can shoot with a 1:1 aspect ratio. This unique square frame adds to your image expression possibilities.

Response

0.1 sec Light Speed AF

The DMC-ZS20 boasts the approx. 0.1 second of Light Speed AF that helps to catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities. You can quickly focus on moving subjects, such as when you're shooting sports scenes or animals.

10 fps with 14.1-megapixel Full Resolution

The newly developed MOS sensor lets the DMC-ZS20 shoot 10 fps in 14-megapixel full resolution with mechanical shutter. You can take a series of shots, then choose the ones you like the best and delete the rest.

5 fps / 2 fps with AF Tracking

You can snap off consecutive shots at approx. 5 fps or 2 fps with AF Tracking.

60 fps in 3.5-megapixel Resolution

Even higher-speed burst shooting is possible when the electronic shutter is used.

Intelligent Burst Mode

The Intelligent Burst Shooting automatically sets the frame rate of burst shooting according to the subject's movement.

*1 The number of recordable images depends on the memory card size and battery life. *2 The focus, exposure and white balance are fixed with the first picture for the burst. *3 The range that can be recorded will become smaller.

Touch AF Tracking

Once the AF subject is selected by touch control, it continues to track the subject even if it moves until you press the shutter. When you're taking images of active children, pets, sports scenes or subjects in a moving object, this function eliminates the need to press the shutter button halfway down repeatedly to readjust the focus.

These functions are also available.

Flash Burst Mode: You can take consecutive flash shots without having to wait for the flash to recharge*. * Max. 5 images. In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) or 2.5-megapixel (1:1) recording.

Usability

iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode

In the iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode, the camera does all the work, leaving you free to compose shots and capture moments in both photo and video recording. The Intelligent Resolution technology, 40x Intelligent Zoom and Intelligent Burst are always activated in the iA Mode.

Shake Detection –POWER O.I.S.*1

Motion Deblur

The Motion Deblur Mode*2 judges the appropriate shutter speed and suppresses motion blur. The shutter speed rises as high as possible activating the high-sensitivity recording by pixel mixed readout method.

Motion Detection – Intelligent ISO Control*3

The Intelligent ISO Control function detects subject movement and automatically adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to best suit the movement and light conditions.

Face Recognition*4

The Face Recognition function remembers faces that have been registered in the camera and provides the faces with optimal focus and exposure.

Face Detection – Face Detection AF/AE*1

The Face Detection function detects faces anywhere in the frame and automatically chooses the optimal focus and exposure. The Face Detection also features the Digital Red-eye Correction (Red-eye Removal) in photo recording.

Subject Detection – AF Tracking

Once you focus on your subject, the AF Tracking automatically and continuously tracks it and keeps it in focus and proper exposure.

Happy Mode

The Happy Mode optimizes color, saturation and brightness to make images more vivid and true to the color of the scene you remember.

Light Detection – Intelligent Exposure*1

The Intelligent Exposure corrects the brightness in parts of the image that are too dark due to insufficient lighting, backlighting or use of the flash. This produces natural images that are close to the way they actually look to the human eyes.

Intelligent HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Several still pictures consecutively shot at different exposure levels are overlaid to produce a single composite picture without whiteout (over-exposure) or blackout (under-exposure).

*1 The POWER O.I.S., Face Detection AF/AE, and Intelligent Exposure are automatically turned on in the iA Mode and can be turned on or off in the P/A/S/M Mode or some Scene Modes. *2 The picture size may be reduced. *3 The Intelligent ISO Control is automatically turned on in the iA Mode and can be turned on or off in the P/A Mode or some Scene Modes. *4 Turn the Face Recognition ON and register the person with full-face portrait on the shooting menu in advance. Recognition performance varies greatly depending on shooting conditions, i.e., according to factors such as angles, facial expression and lighting, so operation under all conditions cannot be guaranteed. Because the camera searches for faces that are similar to registered faces, there are cases where the faces are not correctly recognized when the registered image and the shooting image varies much. When facial characteristics are similar, particularly between parents and their children or brothers and sisters, the camera may not distinguish the faces. *5 With some subject and shooting conditions, it is just not possible to judge the best shooting details. When this happens, it is recommended that you shoot with the Scene Mode that best suits your purpose. *6 In the iA Mode, the Night Portrait is not identified when the flash is turned off.

Easy Manual Control / Custom Mode

The DMC-ZS20 provides easy-to-use manual controls. A total of 4 custom setting patterns can also be memorized to the camera (1 on C1 and 3 on C2).

Manual Exposure Mode

You can set both the aperture and shutter speed. The Manual Exposure Assist function shows how much your setting differs from the setting the camera considers optimal. This serves as a convenient guide for anyone using the Manual Exposure Mode.

Aperture-priority Mode

The Aperture-priority mode lets you open the aperture up wide for impressive portraits and flowers with softly focused backgrounds.

F3.3

F8

Shutter-priority Mode

Fast shutter speeds can be used to freeze moving subjects, and slow shutter speeds can create a motion blur that exaggerates the feeling of movement.

F3.3

F8

3.0-inch, 460K-dot Smart Touch-screen

The large 3.0-inch LCD lets you operate the auto focus and shutter release at the same time with just a touch. When playing back, you can drag the image across the screen with a finger to browse a collection of photos, or scroll the map to play geo-tagged images.

AC / USB Battery Charging

The DMC-ZS20 newly complies with USB power charging in addition to the conventional AC power supply. The energy-saving Venus Engine and the efficient, rechargeable lithium-ion battery let you take approx. 260 shots on a single battery charge*.

* Based on the CIPA standard.

Marine Case Compatible

The DMC-ZS20 is compatible with the optional marine case DMW-MCTZ30. This case will protect your LUMIX camera all the way to a depth of 40 meters. It lets you take clear, beautiful photos underwater.

This function is also available

Archive and Share

3D Image Viewer / VIERA Link)

Photos or videos recorded in AVCHD on SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV. Simply insert the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card slot) on VIERA TV or Blu-ray Disc™ players to playback your contents.

With the DMC-ZS20, you can use an optional HDMI mini cable to output images you took from the camera directly to the TV for VIERA Link. The pictures taken with the 3D Photo Mode via the 3D Image Viewer offers you a whole new exciting experience.

• The HDMI output function requires the optional RP-CDHM15/CDHM30 HDMI mini cable. Please confirm that the TV you are connecting to has an HDMI input terminal compatible with the selected signal. Depending on the cable used, some functions may not be possible. Panasonic HDMI cables are highly recommended. • AVCHD motion images recorded with AVCHD-compatible digital video cameras cannot be played on the DMC-ZS20. • AVCHD motion images recorded onto an SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played on a device that does not support the AVCHD standard. • SDHC Memory Cards and SDXC Memory Cards can be used only in equipment that is compatible with their respective formats. • If the computer being used does not support SDXC Memory Cards, a message prompting you to format may appear. (Doing so will cause recorded images to be erased so do not choose to format.) If the card is not recognized, please refer to the support site. http://panasonic.net/avc/sdcard/information/SDXC.html • More detailed information is available on our support site. http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/

LUMIX Image Uploader

You can upload images to Facebook™ (photos) and YouTube™ (videos) with simple operation.

* LUMIX Image Uploader starts up automatically on the computer if the supplied software "PHOTOfunSTUDIO Ver. 6.0" or later is installed. In other case, start up the menu by double-clicking the file "LUMIXUP.EXE" in the folder below: [My Computer] > [Removable Disk] > DCIM > AD_LUMIX (Windows) • Facebook is a registered trademark or trademark of Facebook, Inc. • YouTube is a registered trademark or trademark of Google Inc.

PHOTOfunSTUDIO

The PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.1 Premium Edition makes it possible to sort and organize photos and videos not only of those newly taken but also of those stored in your computer with quick start-up and fast read-in of images. Recorded videos can be edited with the Short Movie Story function and written into MPEG2 to burn onto a BD / DVD disc. You can also enjoy making photos and videos slideshows with a variety of effects and use your iTunes music library as background music. It is also possible to put a title or add comments on the scene utilizing the information from the people's names registered in Face Recognition.

GPS Function

GPS System with World Map Information

The DMC-ZS20 is acclaimed as an excellent travel companion because of a host of travel-friendly functions represented by the built-in GPS system. You can copy the map data of designated city to an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card out of a bundled map DVD which comprehends detailed map of approx. 90 countries worldwide on a scale of 1/25,000 or more precise.

Shooting

The LUMIX GPS displays not only latitudes and longitudes, but also the name of the Country/Region, State/Prov./County, County/Township, City/Town/Village and Landmark. The area information covers 203 countries or regions for global use. Plus, more than 1,000,000 of landmark information covers 82 countries or regions*1.

Playback

The photos and videos with the location names are automatically sorted in the virtual folder alphabetically in the camera allowing quick reach.

• Design of GUI (Graphic User Interface) is subject to change without notice.

*1 The information of Landmark may not be displayed depending on the country or region. *2 The information of videos is recorded in the maker note for the AVCHD / MP4 files.

• The GPS function is not available on the DMC-ZS20 for China.

® 2011 NAVTEQ All rights reserved. This service uses POI (Points Of Interest) of Canvas Mapple Co., Ltd. "MAPPLE" is a trademark of Shobunsha Publications,Inc.

NOTE*1 / Recording conditions by CIPA standard / - CIPA is an abbreviation of [Camera & Imaging Products Association]. / - Temperature: 23 oC (73.4 oF)/Humidity: 50%RH when LCD monitor is on. / - Using a Panasonic SD Memory Card (32 MB). / - Using the supplied battery. / - Starting recording 30 seconds after the camera is turned on. (When the optical image stabilizer function is set to [ON].) / - Recording once every 30 seconds with full flash every second recording. / - Rotating the zoom lever from Tele to Wide or vice versa in every recording. / - Turning the camera off every 10 recordings and leaving it until the temperature of the battery decreases. / *2 / - These are standard times taken at a temperature of 23 oC (73.4 oF) and a humidity of 50%RH. / - The time available for recording varies depending on the environment, the interval between recordings, and the manner of use. / - Actual recordable time is the time available for recording when repeating actions such as switching the power supply [ON] / [OFF], starting/stopping recording, zoom operation etc. / *3 / - Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [AVCHD] is 29 minutes 59 seconds. (excluding when [GS] or [SH] is set) / - Motion pictures in [MP4] can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. Also, motion picture recorded continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB.

Reviews

DMC-ZS20 is rated
4.0 out of
5 by
15.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Amazed what Panasonic packed in cameraI've used this camera for a few months and each time I use it I learn even more about all the options and controls. I still need to read to full-length manual, but the short get-started manual is a good start. I don't think I'll get board anytime soon checking out all the features. One thing that some people may have gotten frustrated with is… in some ways it’s not the typical consumer point and shoot. You need to try out the settings, see what works for various circumstances and what doesn’t.

Date published: 2013-05-14

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Think about the DMC-ZS19Purchased the DMC-ZS20. Have yet to figure out the GPS on the camera. Turned it off, while in Asia. It took really good photo's, especially through windows riding on a bus. I do find the battery life is very short and will shortly purchase a second battery. Most of all I miss a view finder. In bright sunshine I cannot see the image on the LCD screen. I purchased this camera because of the lens speed and size. I do most of my photography with a DSLR. This camera was bought to put into my purchase and I do not have a good camera on my phone. Did take my photos with it in Asia. Hope Panny comes up with a camera the size of the DMC-ZS 19 or 20 with a lens finder.

Date published: 2013-04-28

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
External Battery Charger AvailableI bought one when I purchased the camera, and only because the many reviews I read listed this as the primary CON on the ZS15 and 20 models. It's not made by Panny but works just the same. I got an extra battery as well so I can swap them out, presto-change-o, when I'm on the go. No worries.

Date published: 2013-02-01

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Correcting a misunderstanding regarding chargingI just want to focus on one issue. Geoff reviewed this camera but unfortunately he didn't realize that an external charging solution is possible (although it might be a little difficult to source) but there are two parts together that can provide the external (and therefore faster charging needed).

Date published: 2012-11-24

Rated 2 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Great camera, beware what is missing!I was so excited to buy this camera as an updated replacement for my DMC-TZ5. I have always LOVED the Lumix cameras from Panasonic, but BEWARE there is NO external battery charger available. Which means you can only charge the battery inside the camera. This might not be a big deal to you, but I loved that I could buy an extra battery and be shooting pics, while charging the other battery. I have never owned a Panasonic camera that didn't have an external charger. Was more than a little disappointed to learn this AFTER I bought the camera.

Date published: 2012-11-19

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
What Happened ?I have 3 older Panasonic cameras, the really old Panasonic PV-SD4090 , an FZ27 and a DMC-FZ40. All have never let me down. My wife is going to China and I wanted to get her a good camera to take with her that was not too large or bulky so bought the Lumix ZS20. The photo quality was horrible, not just bad, unusable. Not sure what the issue was, maybe a bad sensor but teh SD4090 took better pictures. Sent it back as I could not risk getting a 2nd one and having the same issue. Camera came from Amazon. Neither the camera box or shipping box had any damage. I really wish it had been a better experience.

Date published: 2012-10-03

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Great CameraPanasonic Lumix zs20,
I have had this camera for a few weeks and have taken hundreds of pictures and tested all the video functions, all work so well and the pictures and video even look great on my Panasonic plasma television, the 3-D capability of the camera is so great to see on the television, so much better than I had expected, to have the ability to put the SD memory card from the camera into the telrvision is such a huge plus and works so well.
If I were to loose or break this camera today I would replace it with the same one, it is so user friendly.

Date published: 2012-09-19

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
DMC-ZS20I have had a series of Lumix DMC cameras for a few years now, this one offers great zoom and pretty decent detail, colors are a bit weak, and hot spots (light) have a tendency to bleed into the colors giving the images a washed out look. But in overcast days, evenings, early morning, stunning images
I would recommend this camera for its all around features, especially for travel, or easy carry situations, perfect pocket camera.
Good camera for the $$$$

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Service Request - If you need a product repaired and is NOT a TV, Microwave, Vacuum, or Massage Chair, you can use our Online Repair Request. There, you will be able to get a repair estimate, pay online, and track the repair status.

I am a professional photographer who is seriously considering switching to the Lumix mirrorless cameras. Does Panasonic have, or can you suggest, a web site that demonstrates how professional photographers are successfully using the Lumix professional cameras?

In conjunction with our Panasonic.com web site, our Sales and Marketing team also runs LUMIXLOUNGE.COM This site features work from Panasonic’s Luminary team of professional photographers who have migrated to the Lumx mirrorless cameras. The site also features schedules to live on-line and dealer events as well as convenient links to our latest firmware updates. Additional features to expand the site are already in progress.

Have more questions concerning your Panasonic camera?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

How do I install firmware in my camera using an SD card?

Digital Still Camera Firmware Update Guide.

1) Preparation before attempting the update.

A. Make sure the camera's battery is completely charged. If the battery is not completely charged the firmware update will not begin. Format the SD memory card in the camera, then take a couple of pictures.

B. Turn off the camera.

2) Copying the Firmware to your memory card.

A. Download the latest firmware update for your model by clicking on the "Download Ver. X.X " link to a location on your computer (we recommend the "Desktop").

E."Drag" to Copy and Paste" the .bin file from the opened folder to the drive with the SD Card showing in your"My Computer" window for"PC" users and"Finder" or"Drive" in Macs. This will copy the file to the card.

F. If you choose to leave the SD Card in your camera, connect the camera to the PC with the USB cable. Turn the camera on and set it to"Playback" mode. Then select"PC" on the LCD screen. Drag the .bin file from the opened folder to the device that either says Panasonic or mass storage to complete the transfer.

G."SDXC cards, 32GB or larger, require special card readers. Depending on your PC, and the age of its operating system, you may not be able to directly write to such large cards. If your PC asks you to format the card, DO NOT, this is one indication that your system is not compatible with the newer larger memory cards. In this case a smaller card, 16GB or smaller should be used.

3) Updating the camera's firmware.

A. Turn the Camera off, insert the SD Card if you copied the firmware to the card while inserted into the computer.

B. Turn the Camera power on and press the"Playback" button. The camera's LCD screen should now be showing a screen asking if you desire to"Update" the firmware. Highlight"Yes" and press the"Menu/Set" button.

C. When the Camera has completed the firmware update it will turn itself off and then back on.

D. This completes the update process.

4) Confirming the update.

A. Turn the camera's power back on.

B. Set to"Playback" Mode.

C. Choose the"Setup" menu.

D. Select Version Disp.

Digital Still Camera Firmware Update Guide.

1) Preparation before attempting the update.

A. Make sure the camera's battery is completely charged. If the battery is not completely charged the firmware update will not begin. Format the SD memory card in the camera, then take a couple of pictures.

B. Turn off the camera.

2) Copying the Firmware to your memory card.

A. Download the latest firmware update for your model by clicking on the "Download Ver. X.X " link to a location on your computer (we recommend the "Desktop").

E."Drag" to Copy and Paste" the .bin file from the opened folder to the drive with the SD Card showing in your"My Computer" window for"PC" users and"Finder" or"Drive" in Macs. This will copy the file to the card.

F. If you choose to leave the SD Card in your camera, connect the camera to the PC with the USB cable. Turn the camera on and set it to"Playback" mode. Then select"PC" on the LCD screen. Drag the .bin file from the opened folder to the device that either says Panasonic or mass storage to complete the transfer.

G."SDXC cards, 32GB or larger, require special card readers. Depending on your PC, and the age of its operating system, you may not be able to directly write to such large cards. If your PC asks you to format the card, DO NOT, this is one indication that your system is not compatible with the newer larger memory cards. In this case a smaller card, 16GB or smaller should be used.

3) Updating the camera's firmware.

A. Turn the Camera off, insert the SD Card if you copied the firmware to the card while inserted into the computer.

B. Turn the Camera power on and press the"Playback" button. The camera's LCD screen should now be showing a screen asking if you desire to"Update" the firmware. Highlight"Yes" and press the"Menu/Set" button.

C. When the Camera has completed the firmware update it will turn itself off and then back on.

D. This completes the update process.

4) Confirming the update.

A. Turn the camera's power back on.

B. Set to"Playback" Mode.

C. Choose the"Setup" menu.

D. Select Version Disp.

Require further assistance?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

For some reason I am not able to transfer the MPO files (3D format) from my camera to my pc using the supplied PhotofunStudio software. My JPEG and RAW images transfer without issue.

To resize your photos, perform the following steps.

Open "PHOTOfunSTUDIO" program.

After program opens click on the "Edit" icon at the top.

Select "Resize" in the drop down menu.

Click on select all. That will place a check mark in all boxes.

Click on the "Next" button.

Use the "Up/Down" arrows to the left in the to "Expansion/Reduction ratio" section to adjust how much you want to enlarge or reduce the picture(s).

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

How do I playback AVCHD lite files?

Panasonic supplies software with its AVCHD equipped cameras that can play back the motion video files. The most commonly used version of Windows Media Player will not normally play back AVCHD files (without additional video CODECs).

Require further assistance?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

Why am I unable to view the photos on my camera after I have deleted some files from the SD card using the computer?

It is not recommended that you delete or modify any photos on your SD memory card using your PC if you plan to move them back to the camera. Doing so can damage the file allocation table and your camera will not be able to read the files. You should immediately copy the remaining photos from your SD card to your PC. After doing so, using your camera, reformat the SD card.

Require further assistance?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

My camera's lens won't extend or retract. What do I do?

We recommend you try removing the battery from the unit for approximately 60 seconds and reinstall the battery. If your lens still will not open or close, we suggest you consider having your camera serviced.

Please include your name, address, telephone number, email address, copy of your purchase receipt (for warranty service), and a description of what is wrong with the unit. Freight collect shipments will not be accepted.

Panasonic is not responsible for damage that occurs in transit. All contents should be packaged for safe travel to the service center. Customer should use a reputable small package shipping company that is able to provide a package tracking number and insurance (if customer should so desire to insure their package).

Units that are abused, damaged, infested with insects, have corrosion, etc. will be placed out-of-warranty.

Once your unit arrives at the facility, you may contact us for status at:

Note: Please reference your Service Job number when contacting. You will be contacted if there is any cost you are responsible for.

Require further assistance?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

My lens cover won't open or close. What do I do?

We recommend you try removing the battery from the unit for approximately 60 seconds and reinstall the battery. If you still find the lens cover will not open or close, you will want to consider having the camera serviced.

Please include your name, address, telephone number, email address, copy of your purchase receipt (for warranty service), and a description of what is wrong with the unit. Freight collect shipments will not be accepted.

Panasonic is not responsible for damage that occurs in transit. All contents should be packaged for safe travel to the service center. Customer should use a reputable small package shipping company that is able to provide a package tracking number and insurance (if customer should so desire to insure their package).

Units that are abused, damaged, infested with insects, have corrosion, etc. will be placed out-of-warranty.

Once your unit arrives at the facility, you may contact us for status at:

Note: Please reference your Service Job number when contacting. You will be contacted if there is any cost you are responsible for.

Require further assistance?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

What should I do to correct a "System Error Zoom", "System Error Lens", or "System Error Focus" message on my camera?

We recommend you try removing the battery from the unit for approximately 60 seconds and reinstall the battery. If you still receive the "System Error *****" message you will want to consider having the camera serviced.

Please include your name, address, telephone number, email address, copy of your purchase receipt (for warranty service), and a description of what is wrong with the unit. Freight collect shipments will not be accepted.

Panasonic is not responsible for damage that occurs in transit. All contents should be packaged for safe travel to the service center. Customer should use a reputable small package shipping company that is able to provide a package tracking number and insurance (if customer should so desire to insure their package).

Units that are abused, damaged, infested with insects, have corrosion, etc. will be placed out-of-warranty.

Once your unit arrives at the facility, you may contact us for status at:

Note: Please reference your Service Job number when contacting. You will be contacted if there is any cost you are responsible for.

Require further assistance?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.

My camera won't power on. What can I do?

If you have a second battery, try it to see if you can power on the camera. If you dont have an extra battery and you're sure the battery you have is fully charged then the camera may need to be serviced.

Please include your name, address, telephone number, email address, copy of your purchase receipt (for warranty service), and a description of what is wrong with the unit. Freight collect shipments will not be accepted.

Panasonic is not responsible for damage that occurs in transit. All contents should be packaged for safe travel to the service center. Customer should use a reputable small package shipping company that is able to provide a package tracking number and insurance (if customer should so desire to insure their package).

Units that are abused, damaged, infested with insects, have corrosion, etc. will be placed out-of-warranty.

Once your unit arrives at the facility, you may contact us for status at:

Please include your name, address, telephone number, email address, copy of your purchase receipt (for warranty service), and a description of what is wrong with the unit. Freight collect shipments will not be accepted.

Panasonic is not responsible for damage that occurs in transit. All contents should be packaged for safe travel to the service center. Customer should use a reputable small package shipping company that is able to provide a package tracking number and insurance (if customer should so desire to insure their package).

Units that are abused, damaged, infested with insects, have corrosion, etc. will be placed out-of-warranty.

Once your unit arrives at the facility, you may contact us for status at: